shann's nook

Volunteers:

Chris Deering

spotlight on

by Shann Snedden, Board Chair

The time has come for me to say

As we enter a new year and we at the foundation turn our thoughts

toward the 2010 Vital Signs, we are reminded of all the hard work our Community Leadership Committee volunteers put in throughout the year.

Chris Deering is starting her third year on the committee while also

attending to her job as manager of business diversification at Community Futures Entre-Corp. Her vast knowledge of the community serves the committee well, along with her dedication to community service. This has come in handy at the foundation, as she happily agreed to serve as moderator for our last two Vital Munches. Chris also sits on the board of directors of the local Canadian Mental Health Association, chairs the rural leadership committee for Junior Achievement of Southeast Alberta, is a committee member for Women In Business and belongs to the Pace Rotary Club. Believe it or not, she still has time to assist husband Perry with their business, Deerview Meats (www.deerviewmeats.com), and spend time with their two children. Chris likes working on the Community

Leadership committee because of the great people involved and what Vital Signs pro- vides to the community. And as we look ahead at the calendar full of meetings and community consultations, she can’t wait to get the ball rolling on the 2010 Vital Signs: “I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve worked so hard to develop over the last few years,” she said. “The sky is the limit for what the Community Foundation can do with this publication.” The Community Foundation thanks

Chris, and all of our volunteers, for their hard work supporting our organization.

farewell. Reaching the completion of my six-year tenure, including two years in the role of chair, I have come to learn an enormous amount about the larger community in which we live, respect and admire the many organizations and individuals who serve our com- munities, and appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge accumulated by the Community Foundation. Our board, executive director, volunteer committee members, and office team have been involved, engaged and extremely productive throughout my term. The board of the Community Foundation is continually chang-

ing which brings significant diversity in personality, credentials, experiences, knowledge and understanding of the broader com- munity to the table. The opportunity to work with these committed and community-minded individuals has been an honor. Linda Lehr (Vice-chair) and Kelly Byers (Treasurer) will retire along with me as their terms also come to an end. These two individuals have been instrumental in the ongoing success of our foundation, serving in numerous capacities and guiding the foundation in a positive direction. I would also like to express my appreciation for the many assets Ryan Jackson, Jakob Pillibeit, and Clint Stromsmoe (who have recently retired from their board positions) have contributed to the functioning of the board. We frequently encounter the question, “what makes the

Community Foundation different from other charities?” Our commitment to our donors that their endowments will be

held in perpetuity, ensuring their gift will leave an enduring legacy, supporting their chosen beneficiary (ies), is our greatest asset. We continue to grow, nurture our relationships, and provide leadership in our greater community. Our annual Vital Signs report is a key tool in allowing us to convene and collaborate on critical issues. It also helps guide the board in our granting decisions. The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern

Staff update:

We are pleased to welcome Melissa Wannamaker back to the office this May in the role of Donor Relations Coordinator. A special thank you to Lisa Kowalchuk and Maegan Sewell, who did a great job while Melissa was on maternity leave!

coming events:

Community Foundation

June 17, 2010: Founder's Day Picnic

Esplanade Rooftop Terrace

September 15, 2010: Grants Application Deadline October 5, 2010: Vital Signs Launch

Alberta has accomplished many goals and created many new initia- tives during the past six years. The “Vital Signs” report and its offspring – “Vital Activity” and “Vital Kids” programs, Centennial Legacy Fund and ongoing Legacy Fund, Heritage Membership, Environmental Fund, Growing Active Kids Fund, Youth in Philanthropy Fund, and Immediate Assistance Fund were all founded on the inspiration of a great team of board members and staff. It is my hope that the vision of former and current board members in establishing the Heritage membership of the Legacy Club will prove successful in reaching our fund development goals and “Vital Signs” will continue to enlighten the decision-making in our community granting. Philanthropy – “the effort or inclination to increase the well-

being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.” My vision for the Community Foundation into the future is the growth and devel- opment of our Youth in Philanthropy program. We have an oppor- tunity to help young people develop skills, knowledge, confidence, and leadership abilities. The Community Foundation can play a critical role in educating children and youth about volunteerism and civic engagement. Our future lies in our ability to encourage young people in our community to understand and embrace philanthropy. I truly believe in the power of giving back. My experience has

been that the more I give away, the more that seems to come back. Philanthropy is about giving of our time, talents, and treasures. I am proud to have been a member and will continue to support this team of board members, staff, and volunteers who work with such conviction in support of our mission. Philanthropy is not just about being able to make a monetary donation. It is being able to touch somebody’s life in a meaningful way. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4